SKIATOOK, Okla. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Men's Basketball used a strong defensive effort as the Lions opened the season with a 75-64 win over Harding Friday in the MIAA/GAC Challenge.

The Lions held the Bisons to 27.1 percent from the floor and 10.7 percent from three while shooting 47.3 percent themselves.

UAFS got off to a fast start and never looked back as the Lions led for over 39 minutes and never trailed. Brandon Scott started the scoring with a triple as the Lions led by as many as 12 in the opening half.

Harding cut the lead to six before the Lions took an eight-point lead into the half.

The Lions opened the second half on an 11-2 run, fueled by four points from Scott and five from forward Kameron Johnson. UAFS extended the lead to as many as 19 before Harding got within nine with less than three minutes to play.

However, the Lions responded with a quick 5-0 run to go back up by 14.

Guard Jack Hoth led the Lions with 17 points off the bench, shooting 6-for-12 from the floor. Scott added 12 points, as each knocked down a pair of threes. UAFS finished 10-for-20 from beyond the arc.

Johnson, Aiden Buckmon and Kanaan Holder all added eight points for the Lions. Christian Moore guided the offense by dishing out seven assists and contributing six points.

Free throws kept the Bisons in the game, as Harding went 29-for-34 from the line to 13-for-23 for the Lions.

UAFS will look to sweep the weekend when its takes on Ouachita Baptist at 2 p.m. Saturday at Skiatook High School.